The NSW government has released new polling data revealing that social anxieties are driving the state’s youth to seek support from AI chatbots.
According to the NSW Office for Youth’s 2026 Youth Week Polling Report, despite four out of five young people in the state saying they are happy with their lives, 29 per cent of those polled said they were using artificial intelligence as a support strategy to manage their mental health.
Similarly, 27 per cent reported using AI to engage in conversations and to seek personal advice.
The poll’s findings also reflected responses to the federal government’s social media ban for under-16s. Thirty-six per cent said the ban has had a positive impact, while 13 per cent said they feel worse in its wake.
However, almost half of those surveyed said the ban has had no impact on them, as they have either switched to other social media apps or are continuing to use restricted platforms despite the ban, while others said that bullying remained a concern.
Rose Jackson, Minister for Youth, said the insights provided by the survey “give our office a clearer picture of what young people need and help guide the work we deliver across government”.
“It’s encouraging to see the majority of young people say they are happy, but that sits alongside some pretty stark realities about the challenges they’re facing too. Whether that’s bullying and discrimination, the rise of AI, or concerns about jobs and housing,” Jackson said.
“The issues young people are worrying about are real, and I want them to know that we see them, we hear them, and we’re doing something about it.”
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David Hollingworth
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.